Controller for power-driven pumps



March 29, 192-7. B M. HORTER 1,632,514

CONTROLLER FOR POWER DRIVEN PUMPS Filed, Dec. 15, 1922 ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 29, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BAYARD M. HORTER, OF KINGSTON, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE CUTLER-HAM- MER MFG. 00., OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN.

CONTROLLER FOR POWER-DRIVEN PUMPS.

Application filed December 15, 1922.

This invention relates to controllers for power driven pumps, particularly centrifugal or other pumps which require priming, preparatory to pumping.

An object of the invention is that of providing an advantageous and improved controller for such pumps and their associated priming means.

Another object is that of providing such a controller wherein provision is made for initiating action of the priming means, and also terminating such action automatically but terminating such action only after starting of the pump.

Another object is that of providing against starting .of the pump except when fully primed and also for stopping of the pump upon loss of suction thereof and also upon given accretion of the pressure developed thereby.

Other objects and advantages will heremafter appear. 1

In the accompanying drawing, consistlng ot a single figure, is illustrated schematically and diagrammatically one of the embodiments which the invention may assume in practice.

In the drawing is illustrated a pump 1 having a driving motor 2 to discharge the contents of a sump, receptacle or tank 3.

An auxiliary pump 4, which may be preferably of the dry vacuum type, is adapted to be driven by a second motor 5 for priming the pump 1. To such end a stand pipe 6 1s provided to extend downward within the sump 3 to substantially the same level as the bottom of the intake of the pump 1, and also to extend upward an appreciable distance above the highest portion of the casing of said pump. Pipes 7 and 8 serve to connect the stand pipe 6 with the intake of pump 4 and the delivery of pump 1 respectively.

An electro-responsive valve 9 and a check valve 10 serve to control the passage through pipe 8 and the delivery passage of pump 1 respectively, the former valve being closed and the latter being open during normal pumping and such relation being reversed for priming.

A float operated switch 11 serves in conjunction with a relay 12 to control starting of the priming motor 5 and also serves in conjunction with pressure operated switches 13, 141 and 14 to control the action of the Serial No. 607,086.

pumping motor 2 through a conventional form of self starter which may include a main switch 15 and an accelerating switch 16, the former having an auxiliary contact 15" controlling the energizing; circuit of relay 12 to effect stopping of the priming motor but only upon closure of said main switch.

Pressure responsive switch 13 is arranged in the closing circuit of'main switch 15 and is adapted to close and effect energization of such circuit when, due to action of the pump 4 the pressure within the stand pipe has been so far reduced as to insure priming of the pump 1. by water lifted through the intake of the latter.

Pressure responsiveswitches 14 and 14 are arranged in the maintaining circuit of main switch 15, the former being normally closed and being adapted to open and interrupt said maintaining circuit when the pressure at the intake of pump 1 attains a given minimum value. Pressure responsive switch 14 on the other hand is biased, by gravity or otherwise, to open position but is adapted to close when the discharge pressure of pump 1 attains a given minimum value and to remain closed so long as such minimum value of the discharge pressure is maintained.

The valve 9 is adapted to be normally closed under a gravity bias and also by the pressure of pump 1. However, said valve is provided with an opening coil arranged to be energized when and only so long as the closing coil of relay 12 is energized.

The various elements being in the relations illustrated, the operation of the device and the circuit connections which are important herein may be described as follows: Upon predetermined rise in level of fluid in the sump 3, float operated switch 11 closes and completes the energizing circuits of relay 12 and valve 9, which circuit may be traced from lin L by parallel conductors 19 and 20 through the operating coils of said relay 12 and valve 9, thence by parallel conductors 21 and 22 to common conductor 23 and through float switch 11, thence by conductor 24 through auxiliary contacts 15 of the main switch to line L Relay 12 thereupon closes and valve 9 opens, the former connecting motor 5 to its supply lines and the latter opening communication between stand pipe. 6 and pump 1,

whereupon priming pump 4 acts to reduce the pressure in stand pipe 6 and within the casing of pump 1, causing the fluid in the sump to rise within the aforementioned regions of reduced pressure.

Pressure responsive switch 13 is cali brated to respond only after the aforementioned reduction in pressure has attained a value such as to insure filling 01' the casing of pump 1 by the fluid so elevated. Hence upon attainment of such predetermined condition of reduced pressure said switch 13 closes and completes the energizing circuit of main switch 15, said circuit extending trom line L through the operating coil of said switch thence by conductor 25 through switch 13 and by conductor 26 to line L Main switch 15 thereupon closes and connects motor 2 to its supply lines for starting pump 1. Also said main switch in closing opens its ainziliary contacts 15 thereby permitting valve 9 to close cutting otl communication between pump 1 and stand pipe (5 whereupon the reduced pressure within the latter persists and maintains switch 13 closed while the increased pressure developed by operation of the pump 1 causes closure of switch is. Relay 12 is also (la-energized through opening of auxiliary contacts 15 thereby stopping priming motor and pump 5 and 4-.

Main switch 15 upon closing also completes a maintaining circuit for itself, said circuit extending from line L through the operating coil of said switch as formerly traced, thence by conductor 2"? through auxiliary contacts 15" of switch 15 by conductor 28 through pressure responsive switch 1 1, which normally closed, by conductor 29 through pressure responsive switch let and thence by conductor 30 to line L The self starter thereat'ter "functions in a conventional manner for bringing motor 2 and pump 1 up to speed.

Pump 1 now continues to operate until a result of lowering of the level of liquid in the sump, or other cause, the pressure at the pump intake falls below the atoredescribed value at which the switch 1% is set to respond, whereupon said switch opens and interrupts the maintaining circuit of main switch 15, which also opens and interrupts the energizing circuit oi? switch 16 which likewise opens and disconnects motor 2 from circuit, whereupon pump 1 stops and the various parts assume or resume the relative positions illustrated.

If during pumping the pump 1 loses suction the delivery pressure of course falls below the value at which switch in is set to respond, whereupon said switch is adapted to open and interrupt the maintaining circuit of main switch 15 for stopping the pump in a manner similar to that just described.

From the foregoing it is apparent that the pump 1 is started only after the pressure condition in the stand pipe is such as to insure that said pump is tully primed, whereas the action of the pinning pump is continued until closure of the main switch. ii'ioreover the action of pressure responsive switches 1 and 14. provides for automatic stopping ot the main pump either upon attainment ot a given low level or the sump liquid or whenever as a result of abnormally high or low values of intake pressure the pump is unable to function properly. The main pump control el'l'ccted is thus dependent upon and responsive to the pressure conditions obtaining within the pun'iping tem, whereby an exceedingly certain and reliable control is provided.

It is also to be understood that the tunetions of the priming pump 4 are not limited to priming of a single main pump but on the contrary a plurality of pumps similar to the pump 1 may be arranged to he primed either jointly or individually by a single priming pump in association with control means similar or analogous to that aioredescribed. However, where a plurality of main pumps are to be so primed iul' vidually it is ordinarily preferable to provide individual stand pipes for said pumps, to be selectively connected with the priming pump. Also if desired the main pumps may be subjected sequentially to automatic priming and starting as atoredescribed and the sequential action may be controlled as by variations in the rate and character of the change in liquid level following starting of the first pump.

Vs hat 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a controller for hydraulic pumps, the combination with driving and control means and independently driven priming means for the pump, of control means for said priniing means pro viding tor starting thereof prior to starting or said pump and for stopping of said priming means but only upon given operation oi said pump control means.

2. In a controller tor hydraulic pumps, the combination with driving means and independently driven priming mean: rm: the pun'ip, of means providing 'lor initiating operation of said PllllllDQ means, means tor starting said pump driving means only after positive priming of the pump, and means for stopping of said priming means but only upon given op ration of said pump starting means.

3. In a controller for hydraulic pun'ips. the combination with driving means and independently actuated priming means tor the pump, 01 means subjected to control in ac cordance with the degree of action oi said priming means for causing starting oi said driving means for the pump and associated and means,

pressure responsive means providing for stopping or said pump under predetermined conditions of pump pressure.

4. In a controller for hydraulic pumps, the combination with driving means and independently actuated priming means for the pump, of pressure responsive means for starting said pump upon predetermined action of said priming means, means for terminating action of said priming means upon given operation of the pump starting means, 7 including sets of independently responsive means, forcausing stopping ot said pump automatically under difiering pressure conditions.

5. In a controller for a hydraulic pump having driving means and an independently driven vacuum priming pump, the combination. with fluid level operated means for starting said priming pump, of means including avalve, enabling said priming pump to effect and maintain a reduced pressure within the main pump for drawing priming fluid therewithin, rec uced pressure responsive means for insuring priming of the main pump prior to starting and pressure responsive means for stopping the main pump.

6. In a controller for a hydraulic pump having driving means and an independently driven vacuum priming pump, the combination with fluid level operated means for starting said priming pump, of means including a valve enabling said priming pump to etlect and maintain a reduced pressure within the main pump for drawing priming tluid therewithin, pressure responsive means providing for starting of the main pump under such conditions of reduced pressure as to insure priming thereof, means for arresting action of said second mentioned means upon starting of said main pump, and means for stopping said priming pump but only after given operation of the main pump starting means.

7. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a rotary pump; a motor driving said pump; mechanism controlling said motor; a-suction priming means connected to the rotary pump; and means actuated by the suction pressure controlling said mechanism.

8. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a rotary pump; a motor driving said pump; mechanism controlling said motor; a suction priming means connected to the rotary pump; devices for closing the connection at the completion of the priming of the rotary pump; and means actuated by the suction pressure controlling said mechanism to start the motor after the con ncction is closed.

9. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a rotary pump; a suction priming pump connected to the rotary pump; and controlling mechanisms for said pumps comprising means actuated by the suction pressure of the suction pump start ing the rotary pump.

10. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a rotary pump; a suction priming pump connected to the rotary pump; and controlling mechanisms for said pumps comprising means actuated by the suction pressure of the suction pump starting the rotary pump and stopping the suction pump.

11. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a rotary pump; a suction priming pump connected to the rotary pump; and controlling mechanisms for said pumps comprising means actuated by a liquid level starting the suction pump and actuated by suction pressure from the suction pump to start the rotary pump.

12. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a rotary pump; a suction priming pump connected to the rotary pump; and controlling mechanisms for said pumps comprising means actuated by a liquid level starting the suction pump and actuated by suction pressure from the suction pump to start the rotary pump and stop the suction pump.

13. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a rotary pump; a suction priming ump connected to the rotary pump; an controlling mechanisms for said pumps comprising means actuated by a liquid level starting the suction pump and actuated by suction pressure from the suction pump to start the rotary pump and stop the suction pump and actuated by a liquid level stopping the rotary pump.

14. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a rotary pump; a motor driving said pump; mechanism controlling said motor, said mechanism having starting and normal running positions; a suction priming pump connected to the rotary pump; and fluid pressure actuated means controlling said mechanism.

15. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a rotary pump; a motor driving said pump; mechanism controlling said motor, said mechanism having starting and normal running posit-ions; a suction priming pump connected to the rotary pump; and fluid pressure actuated means responsive to the action of the suction pump cpi trolling said mechanism.

16. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a rotary pump; a motor driving said ump; mechanism controlling said motor; fluid pressure actuated means controlling said mechanism; a suction ing pump connected to the rotary pump; and controlling devices starting the suction pump acting through said means starting the rotary pump and then stopping the suction pump.

prim- 17. In a pump controlling mechanism the conibination of a rotary pump; a main electric motor driving said pump; a suction priming pump connected to the rotary pump; an auxiliary electric motor driving the suction pump; a liquid level controlled circuit for the auxiliary motor; a secondary circuit tor the main motor; and dovices controlling the secondary circuit controlled by fluid pressure from said pumps.

18. in a pump controlling mechanism the combination of a notary pump; a main electric motor driving said pump; a suction priming pump connected to the rotary pump; an auxiliary electric motor driving the suction pump; a liquid level controlled circuit tor the auxiliary motor; a secondary circuit tor the main motor; and devices controlling the secondary circuit controlled by suction pressure trom the suction pump.

in a pinup controlling mechanism, the combination of a rotary pump; a main elec tric motor driviiuz said pinup; a suction priming pump connected to the rotary pump; an auxilia y electric motor driving the suction pump; a liquid level controlled circuit for the auxiliary motor starting said motor; a secondary circuit for the main motor; fluid actuated devices from the pumps controlling said secondary circuit; and a liquid level device opening said circuit to stop the main motor.

20. In a rotary pump, the combination of a. main electric motor hiiving said Jump; a suction priming pump connected to the rotary pump; an auxiliary electric motor driving the suction pump; a liquid level controlled circuit for the auxiliary motor; a secondary circuit tor the main motor; a switch having a starting and normal 1 nning position for the main motor; and rluid actuated means controlled by said pumps for actuating said switch to start the main motor in sequence with the auxiliary motor.

21. In a rotary pump, the combination of a main electric motor driving said pump; asuction priming pump connected to the rotary pump; an auxiliary electric motor driving the suction pump; a liquid level controlled circuit for the auxiliary motor; means for closing the connection between the priming pump and the rotary pump; a secondary circuitl'or the main motor; a switch controlling the secondary circuit; and fluid actuated means controlling the switch to start the main motor for closing the connection.

22. In a pump cont-rolling mechanism, the combination of a rotary pump; a motor driving said pump: a circuit controlling the motor; and devices for opening the circuit comprising a liquid level actuated mechanism and a pumped liquid pressure actuated mechanism whereby said motor is stopped either by a pro-determined level of liquid or a breaking of the liquid column leading to the pump.

In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a main pump; a motor driving said pump; starting mechanism for said pump; and an auxiliary pump controlling said starting mechanism.

24. In a pump controlling mechanism, the

combination of a main pump; a motor driving said pump; starting mechanism tor said pump; an auxiliary pump controlling said s'arting mechanism; and liquid level controlled means controlling the auxiliary pump.

In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a main pump; a motor driving said pump; starting mechanism for said pump; an auxiliary pump controlling said starting mechanism; and means responsive to the action of the main pump stopping the auxiliary pump.

26. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a main pump; a motor driving said pump; means for supplying fluid under pressure; mechanism controlling said pump; and fluid pressure actuated devices supplied from said means controlling said mechanism.

27. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a main pump; a motor driving said pump; an auxiliary pmnp; mechanism controlling said motor; and devices actuated by the pumped fluid of the auxil iary pump actuating said mechanism.

28. In a pump controlling mechanism, the combination of a main pump; a motor driv ing said pump; mechanism controlling said motor; fluid actuated means controlling said mechanism; an auxiliary pump supplying said fluid; and controlling devices starting the auxiliary pump and acting through said means starting the motor and then stopping the auxiliary pump.

29. In a pump cont-rolling mechanism, the combination of a. main pump; a motor driving said pump; mechanism controlling said motor; fluid actuated means controlling said mechanism; an auxiliary pump supplying said fluid; and controlling devices starting the auxiliary pump and acting through said means starting the motor and then stopping the auxiliary pump, said devices comprising mechanism responsive to liquid levels.

In Witness whereof, I hax c hereunto subscribed my name.

BAYARD M. HOB-TEE. 

